Whale Shark Encounter & Sumilon Sandbar & Canyoneering in Kawasan Falls in Cebu, Philippines
Cebu, Philippines

Whale Shark Encounter & Sumilon Sandbar & Canyoneering in Kawasan Falls

Outty Ranking 74 4.8 · 34 traveler reviews16 hoursFrom $200
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Outty Ranking

74/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.8/5

Based on 34 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Whale Shark Encounter & Sumilon Sandbar & Canyoneering in Kawasan Falls worth booking?

Whale Shark Encounter & Sumilon Sandbar & Canyoneering in Kawasan Falls is a 16-hour experience in Cebu, Philippines, from $200 per person. It scores 74 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 34 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
74 / 100
Rating
4.8/5 (34)
Duration
16 hours
From
$200 per person

This package is unique since you will be visiting 4 famous tourist sites in the South of Cebu in just one day. To mention, these are the whale sharks interaction, the Tumalog falls in Oslob, the Sumilon Island sandbar, and canyoneering adventure in Kawasan falls. It is also a hassle free tour since this is a guided tour and we can pick up from any hotel in Cebu or Mactan and we can drop you off back to your hotel right after the tour. Worry no more this is the best package for you.

What you get

    About this experience

    This package is unique since you will be visiting 4 famous tourist sites in the South of Cebu in just one day. To mention, these are the whale sharks interaction, the Tumalog falls in Oslob, the Sumilon Island sandbar, and canyoneering adventure in Kawasan falls. It is also a hassle free tour since this is a guided tour and we can pick up from any hotel in Cebu or Mactan and we can drop you off back to your hotel right after the tour. Worry no more this is the best package for you.

    What's included

    Included

    • Private transportation
    • Lunch
    • Local Tour Guide in all the spots mentioned above
    • Snorkeling or Swimming fee with the whale sharks
    • All Fees and Taxes
    • Towels
    • Canyoneering fees including helmets life jacket and aqua shoes
    • Breakfast

    Not included

    • Camera Rental, you can rent one from us and can be paid on the day of the tour
    • Motorbike to Tumalog (optional at P50 per head)

    What you'll see and do

    1. The main attraction of this package which you will visit first in the morning with 30 minutes interaction.

      30 minutes here · Admission included

    2. Tumalog Falls

      After the whale sharks you will be visiting Tumalog falls which is just 5 kilometers away from the whale shark area and you can spend 20 to 30 minutes in the falls. (closed every 2nd Wednesday for clean up drive)

      30 minutes here · Admission included

    3. Sumilon Island

      One of the main attraction of this package is the Sumilon island sandbar, this is best if you love beaches, you can spend up to 2 hours here in the beach. CLOSED every 3rd Wednesday of the month for clean up drive.

      60 minutes here · Admission included

    4. This is one of the highlights on this package, the canyoneering adventure from the mountains in Badian which will end in Kawasan falls. Basically, you will be traversing in the canyon, the source of the falls. This activity involves trekking, swimming, jumping, sliding and more. (Closed every 3rd Wednesday for clean up drive)

      240 minutes here · Admission included

    5. Kawasan Falls

      Another attraction and famous spot for this package that you will be visiting is the Kawasan falls which is included in the package. (Closed every 3rd Wednesday for clean up drive)

      60 minutes here · Admission included

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 12 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Cebu Tours

    Know before you go

    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

    Photos

    Canyoneering in Kawasan falls, Whale Shark Encounter & Sumilon Sandbar & Canyoneering in Kawasan Falls in CebuSumilon Sandbar, Whale Shark Encounter & Sumilon Sandbar & Canyoneering in Kawasan Falls in CebuKawasan Falls in Badian, Whale Shark Encounter & Sumilon Sandbar & Canyoneering in Kawasan Falls in CebuCanyoneering in Kawasan falls, Whale Shark Encounter & Sumilon Sandbar & Canyoneering in Kawasan Falls in CebuCanyoneering in Kawasan falls, Whale Shark Encounter & Sumilon Sandbar & Canyoneering in Kawasan Falls in CebuSumilon Sandbar, Whale Shark Encounter & Sumilon Sandbar & Canyoneering in Kawasan Falls in Cebu

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 34 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    8 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Photo opportunities

    5 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Value for money

    3 mentions

    Travelers feel they got more than they paid for.

    Organization

    3 mentions

    Pickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.

    Physical effort

    3 mentions

    Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.

    Pace and timing

    3 mentions

    Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.

    Traveler reviews

    34 verified traveler reviews for Whale Shark Encounter & Sumilon Sandbar & Canyoneering in Kawasan Falls. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    30
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    Erin_S · April 2026

    Trip was amazing. The...

    Trip was amazing. The canyoneering was definitely the best part. I recommend bringing your own water shoes to this tour though.

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your awesome feedback! We’re thrilled to hear you had an amazing time on the Whale Shark Encounter & Sumilon Sandbar & Canyoneering in Kawasan Falls tour. Canyoneering really is an unforgettable highlight, and we’re glad it stood out as the best part of your trip! 😊 And that’s a great tip about bringing your own water shoes—they definitely make the experience even more comfortable and enjoyable. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back for another adventure in Cebu soon! 🌴

    via Viator

    Michael_M · March 2026

    11/10 Experience

    This was an amazing experience from the the beginning. Driver arrived on time, the line is pretty long but our guide was dialed in. Our guide got is VIP access. We had breakfast first. Visted a meat by water fall which was breath taking. The whale shark experience was amazing. They get right up close to you. It feels like they are going to shallow you. Be sure to bring a GOpro or camera you won’t want to miss it. The best part was the Canyoneering. CAUTION: you must be physically active to make this hike. It is not for the faint of heart, but worth every minute. Our guides were engaging, funny and the best photographers I have seen, LOL. All in all 11/10 experience. A must if you visit CEBU.

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your incredible review! 🤩 We’re thrilled to hear that you had such an amazing experience from start to finish. It’s great to know everything went smoothly—from the timely pickup and VIP assistance to the breathtaking waterfall visit and unforgettable whale shark encounter. We love that you highlighted the canyoneering adventure too—it is a thrilling activity and definitely worth it for those ready for the challenge! 💪 Our guides will be especially happy to hear your kind words about their energy, humor, and photography skills 📸—they truly love making each trip memorable. We really appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back again for another adventure here in Cebu! 🌴

    via Viator

    gulrezt · January 2026

    Highly recommend these guys. We had a great experience

    Highly recommended! These guys are very professional and a pleasure to work with. We booked a tour last minute and everything was sorted out instantly. The instructions sent on time with every detail taken care of The driver was on time and very friendly. The guides were amazing. They were literally waiting for us as the car arrived and had done all the leg work with tickets etc. We saved so much time. Everything worked like clockwork. It exceeded all expectations. Well done guys! You made our day awesome and we will look forward to coming back to Cebu and booking again with your company

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for this amazing review! We truly appreciate your kind words and your honest feedback about your experience with us. We’re happy to hear that our team, from the driver to the guides, made everything smooth and stress-free even with a last-minute booking. Knowing that we exceeded your expectations and helped make your day awesome means a lot to us. We look forward to welcoming you back to Cebu and assisting you again on your next visit! 🌴😊

    via Tripadvisor

    Josalee_D · March 2025

    Private whale shark, Sandbar, waterfall, canyoneering

    The entire experience! We did a private tour so it was just my husband and I in our group. We were picked up at 330am in cebu. The drive takes 3-3.5 hours. The car we drove in had no shocks/ suspension so it was pretty impossible to rest at all. The roads headed there are horrific and have so many pot holes and turns. You have to remember it’s not the USA or Europe. We stopped first to get a ticket for the whale shark, it’s a first come basis. We arrived at 630am and we got ticket number 183. So what they do is call you group number and you go when you number is called. There were soo many people it was chaotic but you just follow your guide. So in the mean time we had “ breakfast” 1 egg, toast and banana) not the best. we left and went and viewed the water fall and took some photos. ( we did not swim water is quite cold) Everything is very crowded so be prepared for lots of people. There are 2 options you can walk over a mile to get there or pay 50 pesos ( round trip) to ride on a back of motor bike there and back to get to location. ( we both did the motor bikes as getting there is super steep and would be a massive climb on the way back) We opted out of the sand bar as it was super cloudy and 730amand being from Florida we had no interest in doing that. We then got back to the place for the whale sharks and waited around for probably 45 minutes for our number to be called. ( the guide stays with you the whole time). You have to pay for a snorkel (150) pesos if you want one and you can rent a go pro which about is 550 pesos. They provide life jackets and goggles for free. You board a row boat with about 12 other people and they take you out about 100 yards. They feed the whale sharks there so there are a bunch swimming around. When you get out there, there is probably close to 40 boats out at one time. You jump in the water and stay right near you boat and you will 100 percent see them. I had rented a go pro and one of the guys in the boat filmed me the whole time so I got some awesome videos and photos. Highly recommend this. You get 30 minutes in the water with them. The experience was amazing and probably one of the coolest things I have done, however be mindful that starting March and through the summer there is “ sea lice”. Basically larvae that are from jelly fish but you can’t see them. Needless say after my experience I had hives/ red bumps covering my body which did not appear till the next morning. I even had rinsed off after my experience and it didn’t help. My husband did not have any issues only me. We then got served lunch around 10am and it was OK. Dark chicken, rice, noodles, noodle soup, veggies, and some watermelon. After the whale sharks your guide that you had for the morning says goodbye and you continue with the driver to go “ canyoneering” this drive is about 1 hour and 15min from the whale shark experience. Once you arrive they put you or you and your spouse on back of a motorbike and you ride about 5-10min to the canyoneering check in site. ( motor bike is free of charge) When you arrive to canyoneering location they have you sign a waiver and then fit you for life jacket, helmet, and ( provide free water type shoes) if you forgot yours. I used theirs ( which was fine) but bring ankle socks as the shoe did rub against my ankle. They provide you with a granola bar and water to put in your front zipper. My husband and I were only people in our group with our guide however there are soooo many groups of people so you really don’t end up being alone. The canyoneering invloves lots of walking, going down/up steep steps, jumping off rocks, swimming, and maneuvering through rocks. It’s definitely for people who are able to perform moderate exercise. Anyone with trouble climbing or walking through water with rocks I would not recommend this at all. Our guide took my husband’s phone which was in a “ waterproof” clear holder that went around his neck. ( we bought one at the whale sharks encounter for like 100 pesos). 100 percent recommended doing this as the guide held onto the phone entire time and got some really amazing videos/ photos of us. The canyoneering can take up to 4 hours if you decide to stop and take pictures/ swim at every single waterfall/ rock/ swimming. My husband and I took about 2 hours as we skipped through a lot of the “ places to swim” and opted out most the time from the jumping off rocks. This was overall and amazing experience and we had a great time. The guide brought us back and we had a shower and changed into our clothes and said goodbye to our guide. The drive back to cebu is about 4 hours. The roads are horrific and traffic was very busy so just prepare for that. Things you will want to bring with you. About 2000 in pesos for tips. Water shoes Change of clothes Bag for your wet clothes Snacks and water Go pro Camera/ phone but have a clear case that goes around neck. ( they provide towel for you)

    Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing such a detailed and honest review of your experience with us! We’re thrilled to hear that you and your husband had an amazing time overall, especially during the whale shark encounter and canyoneering adventure. It’s wonderful to know that you captured incredible memories with the help of our guides. We appreciate your feedback about the drive and road conditions – while we strive to make the journey as comfortable as possible, we understand that the roads can be challenging. Your insights about the breakfast, crowd levels, and the sea lice issue are also valuable to us, and we will use your comments to improve our services and better prepare future guests. It’s great to hear that our guides were helpful, especially in capturing those special moments during the whale shark swim and canyoneering. We’re also grateful for your thoughtful packing suggestions – they will definitely help others have a smoother experience. Thank you again for choosing Cebu Tours, and we hope to welcome you back for another adventure in the future. If you have any additional feedback or questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Warm regards, The Cebu Tours Team

    via Viator

    Monica_M · January 2025

    Unforgettable experience

    Whale shark view and Canyoning were really awesome 👌 All our guides were special, very kind and they took care of all of us all day long (Noel was super!!).

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your kind words and taking time to send us your honest feedback about our Whale Shark Encounter & Sumilon Sandbar & Canyoneering tour. We appreciate that. Hoping to see you again in Cebu

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    16 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $200 to $277
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    12
    Verdict
    Strongly Recommended

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Cebu Tours, who run 25 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 60.5.

    See everything Cebu Tours runs

    Why this scores 74

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)81
    Review evidence (18% weight)67
    Booking momentum (14% weight)60
    Value for money (12% weight)71
    Listing quality (10% weight)77
    Local standing (8% weight)65
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Whale Shark Encounter & Sumilon Sandbar & Canyoneering in Kawasan Falls: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cebu.

    How much does Whale Shark Encounter & Sumilon Sandbar & Canyoneering in Kawasan Falls cost?

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    Prices start at $200 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Cebu usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Whale Shark Encounter & Sumilon Sandbar & Canyoneering in Kawasan Falls take?

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    Plan for about 16 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Cebu is not rushed.

    Is Whale Shark Encounter & Sumilon Sandbar & Canyoneering in Kawasan Falls worth it?

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    It holds an Outty Ranking of 74 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 34 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Cebu, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Whale Shark Encounter & Sumilon Sandbar & Canyoneering in Kawasan Falls?

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    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Whale Shark Encounter & Sumilon Sandbar & Canyoneering in Kawasan Falls suitable for kids and families?

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    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 16-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Whale Shark Encounter & Sumilon Sandbar & Canyoneering in Kawasan Falls?

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    Around 12 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Cebu can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

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    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Cebu and add a light layer if any part of the 16-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Whale Shark Encounter & Sumilon Sandbar & Canyoneering in Kawasan Falls start and how do I get there?

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    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Cebu within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Cebu?

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    On Outty we rank every Cebu experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Whale Watching in Sumilon Island with Ocean View Resort Tour, Whale Shark & Tumalog Falls & Sumilon Sandbar & Pescador Island with Sardines, From Cebu: Oslob Whale Shark Swimming & Moalboal Sardine Run Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Cebu?

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    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Cebu?

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    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

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    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Whale Shark Encounter & Sumilon Sandbar & Canyoneering in Kawasan Falls?

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    Included: Private transportation; Lunch; Local Tour Guide in all the spots mentioned above; Snorkeling or Swimming fee with the whale sharks; and All Fees and Taxes. Not included: Camera Rental, you can rent one from us and can be paid on the day of the tour; and Motorbike to Tumalog (optional at P50 per head). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Whale Shark Encounter & Sumilon Sandbar & Canyoneering in Kawasan Falls include hotel pickup?

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    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 186 listed pickup locations in and around Cebu. Be ready about 15 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Whale Shark Encounter & Sumilon Sandbar & Canyoneering in Kawasan Falls offered in?

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    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Whale Shark Encounter & Sumilon Sandbar & Canyoneering in Kawasan Falls?

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    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Whale Shark Encounter & Sumilon Sandbar & Canyoneering in Kawasan Falls wheelchair or stroller accessible?

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    The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers; and Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Whale Shark Encounter & Sumilon Sandbar & Canyoneering in Kawasan Falls if the weather is bad?

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    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about Whale Shark Encounter & Sumilon Sandbar & Canyoneering in Kawasan Falls?

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    Across 34 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, photo opportunities, value for money. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

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